Strike zone trainer

ABSTRACT

A strike zone trainer is described having a bottom horizontal member, a left vertical upright connected at a left side of the bottom horizontal member, a right vertical upright connected at a right side of the bottom horizontal member, and a top horizontal member connecting top portions of the left and right vertical uprights together. The bottom horizontal member, the left vertical upright, the right vertical upright, and the top horizontal member define a frame surrounding a strike zone for a batter. The trainer includes a left indicator indicating a left edge of the strike zone, a right indicator indicating a right edge of the strike zone, a top indicator indicating a top edge of the strike zone, and a bottom indicator indicating the bottom edge of the strike zone.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/395,599, which was filed onJul. 15, 2002, the contents of which are incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The field of the present invention relates to an apparatus thatassists in training coaches, pitchers, umpires, and batters, amongothers, to master the strike zone associated with baseball and softball.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In major league baseball, the “strike zone” is defined as arectangular area over home plate. The upper limit of the strike zone isa horizontal line at the midpoint between the top of the batter'sshoulders and the top of the batter's uniform pants. The lower end ofthe strike zone is a line at the hollow beneath the batter's kneecap.The strike zone is established by the batter's stance as the batterprepares to swing at a pitched ball.

[0004] Since the strike zone is bounded on either lateral side by thedimensions of home plate, it is noteworthy to recite those dimensions.Home plate is a five sided polygon, 17 inches by 8½ inches by 8½ inchesby 12 inches by 12 inches, cut to a point at the rear. Since home plateis 17 inches wide, the strike zone is also 17 inches wide.

[0005] With this in mind, for major league baseball, the strike zone hasa fixed 17 inch width, but the vertical dimension of the strike zonechanges from batter to batter. The vertical size of the strike zone isdependent upon the size of the batter as well as the stance selected bythe batter. A small batter with a low stance will, understandably, havea smaller strike zone than a taller batter with a more vertical stance.

[0006] While this definition of the strike zone applies to major leaguebaseball, those skilled in the art would understand that the strike zoneis largely the same for fast pitch softball, slow pitch softball, minorleague baseball, and little league baseball, to name but a few of thetypes of ball games where the strike zone is used. While the definitionof the strike zone is largely uniform from one ball sport to another,there may be variations from one league to another. In some instances,the strike zone is officially a different size. In other instances, thestrike zone is unofficially different. One example of the latter exampleis little league baseball, where the strike zone often may be morefavorably interpreted in favor of the children who participate in thesport.

[0007] Regardless of the type of ball game or the league, in the gamesof baseball, fast-pitch softball, and slow-pitch softball, among others,the ability to train a pitcher to pitch within a batter's strike zone isimportant to a pitcher's development and continued success. For example,it may be desirable for a pitcher to learn different techniques forpitching within a particular portion of the batter's strike zone.

[0008] Similarly, it is important to train umpires to recognize when apitch is within a players strike zone. It is equally important to trainall umpires according to the established standard so that individualumpires will be more accurate in their calls of “strikes” or “balls.”This facilitates uniformity between different games monitored bydifferent umpires.

[0009] Equally important is the batter's appreciation for his or her ownstrike zone to improve his or her batting performance at home plate. Tothis end, if the batter is very familiar with his or her own strikezone, he or she may practice hitting, especially those pitches that aredirected at a weak area of the batter's strike zone, e.g., those wherethe batter is less likely to hit the ball.

[0010] Coaches also can benefit from an appreciation of a batter'sstrike zone. In particular, having gained a greater appreciation of abatter's strike zone, the coach may be able to provide better assistanceto a particular batter to improve his or her performance.

[0011] Despite this need to facilitate training and practice, the publichas not had access to equipment that can help coaches, pitchers, umpiresand batters gain a greater appreciation of the strike zone.

[0012] Accordingly, there is a need for such sports equipment.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0013] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide asimple, cost-effective, tool to train coaches, pitchers, umpires, andbatters to recognize a batter's strike zone.

[0014] In particular, it is one aspect of the present invention toprovide umpires with a simple, cost-effective tool that the umpires mayuse to become more familiar with the size of the strike zone. In thismanner, the umpire's calls in a particular game will be more consistentwith the rule book definition of the “strike zone.” In addition,improved, uniform training about the strike zone for umpires helps toreduce instances of variability from game to game between differentumpires when officiating at a game by calling “strikes” or “balls.”

[0015] It is also an aspect of the present invention to provide asimple, cost-effective apparatus to assist a pitcher in recognizing abatter's strike zone so that the pitcher may improve his or her pitchingtechniques and accuracy. In connection therewith, it is another aspectof the invention to provide a training and practice tool where a pitchermay be able to improve his or her accuracy in pitching to a particularportion of the batter's strike zone.

[0016] Next, it is an aspect of the invention to provide a simple,cost-effective apparatus to assist a batter in improving his battingperformance by improving his or her appreciation of his or her ownstrike zone.

[0017] It is also an aspect of the present invention to provide a toolto assist coaches in providing training and practice assistance to themembers of the teams that they coach by providing coaches with a greaterunderstanding of the strike zones of individual players. Moreover, withthe apparatus of the present invention, coaches may help players toimprove their stance when at home plate, preparing to bat.

[0018] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides astrike zone trainer that includes a bottom horizontal member, a leftvertical upright connected at a left side of the bottom horizontalmember, a right vertical upright connected at a right side of the bottomhorizontal member, and a top horizontal member connecting top portionsof the left and right vertical uprights together. The bottom horizontalmember, the left vertical upright, the right vertical upright, and thetop horizontal member define a frame surrounding a strike zone for abatter. The trainer further includes a left indicator indicating a leftedge of the strike zone and a right indicator indicating a right edge ofthe strike zone. The left and right indicators define the strike zone'swidth. The trainer also includes a top indicator indicating a top edgeof the strike zone and a bottom indicator indicating the bottom edge ofthe strike zone. The top and bottom indicators define the strike zone'sheight.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a strikezone trainer where at least one of the top and bottom indicators may bemoved to adjust the strike zone's height.

[0020] Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide astrike zone trainer where the left and right indicators are stringsextending between the top and bottom horizontal members and the top andbottom indicators are strings extending between the left and rightvertical uprights.

[0021] One further aspect of the present invention is to provide astrike zone trainer that also includes a plurality of eyelets disposedon the top and bottom horizontal members and the left and right verticaluprights. The strings each extend between two eyelets.

[0022] An additional aspect of the present invention is to provide astrike zone trainer where the top horizontal member and the left andright uprights are made from plastic piping.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a strikezone trainer where the plastic piping is made from polyvinylchloride.

[0024] One further aspect of the present invention is to provide astrike zone trainer where the bottom horizontal member is made fromwood.

[0025] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a strikezone trainer that also includes a left bracket connected at the leftside of the bottom horizontal member, and a right bracket connected atthe right side of the bottom horizontal member. The left bracket isadapted to receive the left vertical upright and the right bracket isadapted to receive the right vertical bracket.

[0026] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a strikezone trainer where at least one of the width and height of the strikezone is adjustable by moving one or more of the strings.

[0027] In another aspect of the present invention, a strike zone traineris provided that includes a plurality of pairs of electromagneticradiation emitters and sensors disposed on the top and bottom horizontalmembers and the left and right vertical uprights, establishing a grid ofelectromagnetic beams therebetween.

[0028] In still another aspect of the present invention, a strike zonetrainer is provided where the top and bottom and left and rightindicators are individual electromagnetic beams.

[0029] One additional aspect of the present invention provides a strikezone trainer where at least the top and bottom indicators may be movedto other electromagnetic beams to adjust the strike zone's height.

[0030] Another aspect of the present invention provides a strike zonetrainer that has at least one input device is operatively connected tothe trainer to adjust the strike zone's height. The input device may bea keyboard, a mouse, or an electromagnetic radiation emitter.

[0031] One further aspect of the present invention provides a strikezone trainer having a speaker operatively connected to the trainer toprovide an audible indication if a ball passes through one or more ofthe electromagnetic beams in the strike zone.

[0032] Another aspect of the present invention provides a strike zonetrainer with a monitor operatively connected to the trainer to provide avisual indication of where a ball passes through one or more of theelectromagnetic beams.

[0033] Still another aspect of the present invention provides a strikezone trainer including a plurality of visual indicators positioned onthe top and bottom horizontal members and the left and right verticaluprights. The visual indicators may be lights. Selected ones of theplurality of visual indicators may be used to indicate the left, right,top, and bottom edges of the strike zone. Moreover, selected ones of thevisual indicators may indicate where a ball passes through one or moreof the electromagnetic beams.

[0034] Other aspects of the present invention will be made apparent fromthe disclosure that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Reference will be made hereinafter to the accompanying drawings,which illustrate embodiments of the present invention discussed herein,wherein:

[0036]FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the strikezone trainer of the present invention;

[0037]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the approximate position of onepossible orientation of the strike zone trainer illustrated in FIG. 1when used on a baseball or a softball field;

[0038]FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of the left hand mountingstructure of the strike zone trainer illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0039]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional top view, taken along the line 4-4 inFIG. 3, further illustrating the construction of the left hand mountingstructure of the strike zone trainer illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0040]FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of thestrike zone trainer of the present invention; and

[0041]FIG. 6 is a perspective illustration of still another embodimentof the strike zone trainer of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one of the embodiments of the presentinvention. Within the discussion that follows, other variations of thisembodiment will be described. It should be understood that the strikezone trainer 10 of the present invention is not limited solely to theembodiments illustrated. To the contrary, it is contemplated that thescope of the present invention is considerably broader than theembodiments described herein, as recited by the claims appended hereto.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, the strike zone trainer 10 of the presentinvention includes a left vertical upright 12, a right vertical upright14, a top horizontal member 16, and a bottom horizontal member 18. Inthis embodiment, the two uprights 12, 14 and the two horizontal members16, 18 are connected to one another to define a rectangular area 20 thatsurrounds a batter's strike zone.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the height H of the trainer 10 ispreferably about six feet (6 ft. or 182.88 cm.) and the width W ispreferably about nine feet (9 ft. or 274.32 cm.). These dimensions arenot critical to the operation and functioning of the present invention,but are provided as an example of one possible size for the trainer 10of the present invention. It is contemplated that the height H and thewidth W could be varied to be greater or smaller, depending upon theparticular circumstances associated with its use. For example, the sixand nine foot dimensions were selected specifically with an adult inmind. Moreover, the dimensions were selected for a standard ball field,whether a standard baseball field or a standard softball field, whichdiffer from one another in size. However, it is contemplated that if thetrainer 10 is used with young adults or children, the trainer 10 mayconstructed to be smaller in size. Moreover, if the trainer is to beused in a batting cage or other similarly confined area, the dimensionsmay be made smaller so that the trainer 10 will fit in the smallerspace.

[0045] Having said this, the six foot height and the nine foot width arepreferred because the uprights 12, 14 and the top and bottom horizontalmembers 16, 18 are sufficiently spaced from one another that they do notinterfere with the field of vision of the pitcher, batter, coach, orumpire, among others. If the vertical uprights 12, 14 and the top andbottom horizontal members 16, 18 are made to be too close together,there is an increased likelihood that a ball might impact one of thesesupports, interfering with the operational purpose of the trainer 10.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, the trainer 10 of the present invention isshown in its training position in front of home plate 22. Batter's boxes24, 26 are also illustrated on either side of home plate 22. Forpurposes of understanding the orientation of the trainer 10 on thebaseball (or softball) field, directions to first base, to the pitcher'smound, and to third base are indicated. The relative position of thetrainer 10 in FIG. 2 is approximate only. It is contemplated that thetrainer 10 will be placed sufficiently far in front of home plate 22 sothat a batter will not strike the trainer 10 with his or her bat duringbatting practice. Naturally, depending on the age and experience of thebatter, the trainer 10 may be placed closer to or further from homeplate 22 as needed or desired.

[0047] Alternatively, it is contemplated that the trainer 10 could beplaced behind the batter, behind home plate 22. In this position, a usermay assess the pitch from behind home plate 22. In other words, if thetrainer 10 is placed behind home plate 22, an umpire, coach, or othertype of user may stand behind the trainer 10. In this orientation, thebatter would not see if the pitch was a “strike” or a “ball,” but wouldhave to rely on the observer for this information.

[0048] Also depicted in FIG. 2 is the width HP of home plate 22, whichis 17 inches (17 in. or 43.18 cm.), as mentioned above. As discussed ingreater detail below, the width HP of home plate 22 should align closelywith the width SZ of the strike zone defined by the strike zone trainer10. It is preferred that HP=SZ. In other words, it is preferred that thewidth of the strike zone also be 17 inches, to accurately define thewidth of the strike zone.

[0049] However, it is contemplated that a coach, batter, or pitcher maywish to narrow the width SZ of the strike zone for training purposes. Insuch a case, the width HP of home plate 22 will be greater than thewidth SZ of the strike zone. In other words, HP>SZ. Alternatively, forpractice, it may be desired to expand the width SZ of the strike zone.In such a case, HP<SZ.

[0050] In the embodiment illustrated, the vertical uprights 12, 14 andthe top horizontal member 16 preferably are made of a plastic pipematerial, such as polyvinylchloride (“PVC”) piping of the type that iscommonly available in a hardware or home improvement store. Inparticular, it is contemplated that the PVC piping used to construct thestrike zone trainer 10 have a diameter of one inch (1 in. or 2.54 cm.).

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the left vertical upright 12connects to the left hand side of the top horizontal member 16 via afirst elbow connector 28. Similarly, the right hand side of the tophorizontal member 16 connects to the top of the right vertical upright14 via a second elbow connector 30. In the illustrated embodiment, theelbows 28, 30 also are made of a suitable plastic material, such as PVC,and have a suitable inside diameter to matingly engage the uprights 12,14 and the top horizontal member 16.

[0052] As would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, theuprights 12, 14 the top horizontal member 16, and the elbows 28, 30 neednot be constructed from PVC piping. Any other suitable plastic, such aspolyethylene, high density polyethylene (“HDPE”), low densitypolyethylene (“LDPE”), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene(“UMHWPE”), polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, nylon,polymethylmethacrylate, polypropylene, polyester, kevlar,polyacrylonitrile, and polyurethane, may be used without departing fromthe scope of the present invention. Similarly, materials other thanplastics, such as cellulose and composite materials, may also be used.

[0053] In addition, as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art,still other materials may be substituted for the construction of theuprights 12, 14, the top horizontal member 16, and the elbows 28, 30.For example, it is contemplated that these members 12, 14, 16, 28, and30 may be made of wood, steel, copper, aluminum, carbon fiber composite,or other natural or synthetic material that provides suitable strengthand durability.

[0054] Having said this, it is preferred that the materials selected forthe construction of the uprights 12, 14, the top horizontal member 16,and the elbows 28, 30 be of a light weight material so that the trainermay be easily transported from one location to another. This facilitatesmovement of the trainer 10 in front of home plate 22. It alsofacilitates removal of the trainer 10 from the playing field, when it isnot needed for training. In addition, a light weight constructionfacilitates storage of the trainer 10, especially when the trainer 10 isconstructed to be collapsed when not in use.

[0055] Next, it is contemplated that the uprights 12, 14, the tophorizontal member 16, and the elbows 28, 30 need not by cylindrical incross-section. As would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, anysuitable cross-section may be used instead, including, for example,ellipsoidal, rectangular, triangular, L-shaped, U-shaped, or otherwise.

[0056] As may be appreciated from the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1,the bottom horizontal member 18 differs in its construction from the tophorizontal member 16. In particular, in the embodiment illustrated, thebottom horizontal member 18 is made from a standard 2″×4″ (“two byfour”) wood board. As would be appreciated by those skilled in the art,however, the bottom horizontal member 18 may be made alternatively fromany of the materials contemplated for the top horizontal member 16without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[0057] The bottom horizontal member 18 has a left hand bracket 32connected at its left hand side and a right hand bracket 34 connect atits right hand side. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the construction of theleft hand bracket 32 in greater detail. As would be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art, the right hand bracket 34 shares the sameconstruction (albeit, with a construction that is a mirror image of theleft hand bracket 32) and will not be elaborated upon further.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 3, the left hand bracket 32 includes a verticalsupport portion 36. Preferably, the vertical support portion 36 is a 2×4piece of wood that has been attached to the bottom horizontal member 18via one or more nails. As would be appreciated by those skilled in theart, however, the vertical support portion 36 and the bottom horizontalmember 18 may be attached to one another via any other suitablefasteners such as screws or adhesives.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, first and second U-bolts 38, 40 aresecured to the vertical support portion 36 at first and secondrespective heights above the top surface of the bottom horizontal member18. The U-bolts 38, 40 extend through the vertical support portion 36and are secured thereto via bolts 42, 44, which are illustrated in FIG.4. To accommodate the one inch diameter PVC pipe that forms the leftvertical upright 12, the U-bolts 38, 40 preferably have a diameter ofone inch (1 in. or 2.54 cm.).

[0060] Preferably, the U-bolts 38, 40 are tightened so that they securethe vertical uprights 12, 14 therein. However, as would be appreciatedby those skilled in the art, the U-bolts 38, 40 need not be so tightlysecured to discourage disengagement of the vertical uprights 12, 14 fromthe bottom horizontal member 18. To the contrary, one alternativeembodiment of the strike zone trainer 10 of the present inventioncontemplates that the vertical uprights 12, 14 are easily removed fromthe U-bolts 38, 40. This facilitates deconstruction of the trainer 10,if it is necessary to take the trainer 10 apart for storage, forexample.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom horizontal member 18and the left and right brackets 32, 34 are made of wood for severalreasons. First, using wood as a base provides the trainer 10 with aweighted bottom, which helps to keep the trainer 10 stable when placedin front of home plate 22. In addition, it is a simple, cost-effectivematerial for the construction of the trainer 10. While wood is thepreferred material for the bottom horizontal member 18 and the verticalsupport portions 36, any other suitable material may be selected withoutdeviating from the scope and spirit of the present invention. So as notto repeat the discussion above, the bottom horizontal member 18 and thevertical support portions 36 may be constructed on the same material asthe vertical uprights 12, 14 and the top horizontal member 16. Inaddition, the bottom horizontal member 18 and the vertical supportportions 36 may have any suitable cross-section.

[0062]FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the trainer 10 of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, the bottom horizontal portion 18is provided with several feet 46, 48, 50, 52. the feet extend from thefront and rear of the bottom horizontal portion 18 and provideadditional stability for the trainer 10. The feet 46, 48, 50, 52 arepreferably constructed from wood. However, as mentioned above, any othersuitable material may be substituted therefor without departing from thescope and spirit of the present invention.

[0063] Returning to FIG. 1, the interior surfaces of the uprights 12, 14and the horizontal member 16, 18 are provided with a plurality ofeyelets 54. As illustrated, some of the eyelets are connected to oneanother via strings 56, 58, 60, 62. The strings 56, 58, 60, 62 act asboth physical and visual indicators that separate the rectangular area20 into nine separate regions I-IX.

[0064] As may be appreciated from FIG. 1, the strings 56 and 58 definethe lateral sides of the strike zone V. Since they are positioned fromone another the distance SZ equal to the width of home plate 22, theyare 17 inches apart from one another. As would be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art, the distance SZ may be varied, depending on theparticular application of the trainer 10, and still remain within thescope of the present invention. For example, it is contemplated that thetrainer could be used for little league players, where the rulesconcerning the strike zone V may be more lenient. Moreover, with smallchildren, coaches may want to restrict the strike zone V to have asmaller width until the children have gained sufficient coordination,whereupon, the width SZ of the strike zone V may be increased toprofessional dimensions.

[0065] Strings 60, 62 define the upper and lower limits of the strikezone V. Since the upper and lower limits of the strike zone V aredefined by the particular batter, a plurality of eyelets 54 are providedon the interior surface of the trainer 10 so that the strings 60, 62 maybe moved to accommodate different batters. While discrete positions aredefined by the eyelets 54 in this example, it is contemplated that thetrainer 10 may be provided with holes permitting infinite variability.For example, the strings 60, 62 may be arranged so that they passthrough vertical slots and be held in place on the trainer via a clampor other suitable fastener.

[0066] During training, the trainer 10 preferably is positioned in fromof home plate 22 as indicated in FIG. 2. When the ball is thrown by thepitcher, if the ball passes through the strike zone V, it will beconsidered by the batter, umpire, coach, etc. as a strike. This is trueeven if the ball grazes one of the strings 56, 58, 60, 62 but stillpasses through the strike zone V.

[0067] The strings 56, 58, 60, 62 preferred for this embodiment of thetrainer 10 can be made of any suitable material such as metal wire,twine, yarn, ribbon, rope, etc. The particular material that comprisesthe string is not relevant to the operation of the trainer 10. All thatis relevant is that the strings 56, 58, 60, 62 define the regions I-IXin a manner that the regions I-IX be visibly identified from a distance.Accordingly, it is contemplated that the strings 56, 58, 60, 62 will bebrightly colored. For example, the strings 56, 58, 60, 62 may be treatedwith a fluorescent color. Alternatively, the strings may be white, sothat they may be easily distinguishable from the background.

[0068] It is noted that each of the regions other than the strike zone Vdefine areas in the trainer 10 where, if a ball passes therethrough, thepitch will be called a “ball.” For example, regions I and III are “highand outside.” Regions VII and IX are “low and outside.” Regions IV andVI are “wide.” Region II is “high.” Finally, region VIII is “low.”

[0069]FIG. 6 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention,trainer 100. Trainer 100 includes a frame 102 with left, right, top, andbottom members 104, 106, 108, 110. So that the frame 102 is held uprightin a stable fashion, feet 112, 114 may also be provided thereon.

[0070] Trainer 100 has the same basic training function as trainer 10.However, the operation of the trainer 100 is electronically based. Inthis embodiment, photoelectric emitters and sensors 116 are embedded inthe frame 102 to sense the passage of a ball therethrough. As would beappreciated by those skilled in the art, the photoelectric emitters andsensors 116 should be arranged so that emitters and sensors 116 aredisposed on opposite sides of the frame from one another. The emitters116 may emit any type of electromagnetic radiation that will bedisrupted should an object, such as a baseball, pass therethrough.

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the photoelectric emitters and sensors116 are embedded in a regular repeating fashion on each of the framemembers 104, 106, 108, 110. The emitters and sensors 116 are disposedclose enough to one another to create a grid of electromagnetic beams118 with openings between the beams 118 that are smaller than thediameter of a baseball. Accordingly, no matter where the baseball passesthrough the frame 102, the baseball will break at least two of theelectromagnetic beams 118 (one horizontal and one vertical beam 118) andwill, therefore, be detected by the operating system of the trainer 100.

[0072] While the preferred embodiment of the trainer 100 relies on thebreaking of both a horizontally-oriented and a vertically orientedelectromagnetic beam 118, it is possible that the trainer 100 may beconstructed so that the location where the ball passes through the framemay be detected by a single beam 118. Moreover, the beams need not beoriented in vertical and horizontal directions to permit detection ofthe ball.

[0073] Since this embodiment of the trainer 100 does not permit animmediate visual assessment of the region I-IX through which thebaseball or softball passes, the trainer 100 may be provided with one ormore speakers 120 that provide an audible indication concerning whetheror not the pitch was a strike or a ball. The speaker 120 on the trainer100 may be programmed to emit one type of audible signal for a strikeand another for a ball. Alternatively, the trainer 100 may be designedto produce an audible signal when the pitch is a strike but produce nosound if the pitch is falls outside of the strike zone. As would beappreciated by those skilled in the art, the reverse is alsocontemplated to fall within the scope of the invention. In other words,the trainer 100 may be programmed to produce an audible signal when thepitch is a ball, but remain silent when the pitch passes through thestrike zone.

[0074] In still another alternative construction of the trainer 100, avisual display monitor 122 may be connected to the trainer 100. Themonitor 122 may be provided with a display that provides graphicalinformation about the pitch. For example, the monitor 122 may displaythe nine regions I-IX that define the strike zone and non-strike zoneareas through which a baseball or softball may pass. When the ballbreaks two or more of the beams 118, the trainer 100, through a computeror other type of processor (not shown), detects the region through whichthe ball passed and provides a visual indication of that region to theuser, whether it be the pitcher, umpire, coach, batter, or otherplayers, for example. In this manner, the user can access immediatelythe trainer's detection of whether or not the ball passed through thestrike zone V.

[0075] As indicated above, it is contemplated that a computer, CPU, orother type of electronic processor will be incorporated into the trainer100 (or connected thereto) to assess the input information and provideoutput. The input is the passage of a ball through the grid of beams 118that are established within the trainer 100, once operational. Toprovide power to the trainer 100, the trainer may be provided with apower source 124 that may include a plug 126 or, alternatively, mayinclude one or more batteries 128.

[0076] To provide other types of input to the trainer, a keyboard 130 orother input device, such as a mouse 132 or infrared emitter 134 may beoperationally connected to the trainer. If an electromagnetic radiationtransmitter 134 provides input, the trainer 100 naturally will beequipped with an electromagnetic radiation sensor 136 thereon to detectthe inputted information. In the preferred embodiment, theelectromagnetic radiation transmitter 134 and sensor 136 transmit andreceive infrared signals, for example. Each of these input devices areuseful because they may be designed to provide information concerningthe height of the strike zone, among other types of information.

[0077] With trainer 10 discussed above, the strings 60, 62 are moveableto the plurality of eyelets 54 disposed thereon. The strings 60, 62 aredesigned to be moved to adjust for variances in the height and stance ofthe batter. Similarly, with the trainer 100, the height of the strikezone preferably should be easily adjustable. To make this adjustment,the trainer 100 is provided with one or more input devices to make anelectronic adjustment of the strike zone.

[0078] It is contemplated that the trainer 100 may be programmed withinformation concerning the strike zones of individual players.Accordingly, when a batter steps up to home plate, his name may beinputted (or selected from a menu) and the appropriate dimensions forthe strike zone V will be automatically selected and set by the trainer100. It is also contemplated that the trainer may have a set menu ofdifferent strike zones V that a batter may select to improve his or herbatting skills.

[0079] In still another embodiment, the trainer 100 may be provided withone or more visual indicators 138 on the frame 102 thereof. The visualindicators 138 may be provided on both the front side and the rear sideof the frame 102, as desired. In FIG. 6, the visual indicators arelights 138, such as Light Emitting Diodes (“LEDs”) that are incorporatedinto the front of the frame 102, which is the side facing the batter. Ifso equipped, the trainer may operate as follows.

[0080] The lights 138 may be programmed to light up so that theyindicate approximately the location through which the pitch passesthrough the frame 102. In this arrangement, the user, whether an umpire,coach, pitcher, batter, or other player, will make a visual assessmentof whether or not the baseball or softball passed through the strikezone. Alternatively, the visual indicators 138 may be lit to indicatethe lateral and upper and lower edges of the strike zone so that theuser can visually assess whether the ball passed through the strikezone.

[0081] In still another embodiment, the visual indicators may be used toprovide both types of information. For example, some of the lights 138may be lit continuously to indicate the location of the strike zone.When a ball passes through the frame 102, others of the lights 138 maythen be illuminated for a brief period of time to indicate the regionI-IX through which the ball passed. The visual indicators may be used incombination with an audible or visual indication (a speaker 120 ormonitor 122) so that the user may quickly determine if the ball passedthrough the strike zone.

[0082] Regardless of whether trainer 10 or trainer 100 (or anyvariations or equivalents thereof) is utilized, the trainer 10, 100 isdesigned for educational purposes. As indicated above, the trainer 10,100 is designed to assist pitchers to improve their pitching, umpires toimprove their umpiring, batters to improve their batting, and coaches toassist with each of these educational purposes. As would be appreciatedby those skilled in the art, the trainer 10, 100 may be used for otherpurposes not enumerated herein. Those uses, however, are intended to beencompassed by the scope of this invention.

[0083] With the trainer 10, 100, coaches can help pitchers to work onpitching the ball through a particular region I-IX, either through oraround the strike zone, which is region V. Pitchers may use the trainer10, 100 together with catchers to improve their collective performanceon the field. In this particular example, the catcher may be able tohelp the pitcher to throw a pitch through the strike zone by workingtogether using the trainer 10, 100. Moreover, batters who use thetrainer 10, 100 will be able to visualize specific hitting zones, whichmay help to improve their batting performance. For umpires, the trainer10, 100 is particularly useful because it may assist the umpire inidentifying the strike zone more readily. Moreover, it may also help theumpire with proper positioning and stance while awaiting the pitch,because it may help the umpire to select a position and stance thatensures the umpire can visualize the entire strike zone.

[0084] With respect to coaches and batters, there is at least oneadditional advantage contemplated for the use of the trainer 10, 100. Inparticular, coaches may be able to assist batters to adjust theirbatting stance to adjust their individual strike zones. Batters may alsobenefit from this type of training. For example, a batter with a morevertical stance, and therefore a taller strike zone, may be encouragedto change their stance to reduce the size of the strike zone. Thereby,batters should be able to increase their competitive advantage on theplaying field.

[0085] While the invention has been described with reference to severalpreferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapta particular situation, component, or material to the teachings of thepresent invention without departing from its teachings as claimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A strike zone trainer, comprising: a bottomhorizontal member; a left vertical upright connected at a left side ofthe bottom horizontal member; a right vertical upright connected at aright side of the bottom horizontal member; a top horizontal memberconnecting top portions of the left and right vertical uprightstogether, wherein the bottom horizontal member, the left verticalupright, the right vertical upright, and the top horizontal memberdefine a frame surrounding a strike zone for a batter; a left indicatorindicating a left edge of the strike zone; a right indicator indicatinga right edge of the strike zone, wherein the left and right indicatorsdefine the strike zone's width; a top indicator indicating a top edge ofthe strike zone; and a bottom indicator indicating the bottom edge ofthe strike zone, wherein the top and bottom indicators define the strikezone's height.
 2. The strike zone trainer of claim 1, wherein: at leastone of the top and bottom indicators may be moved to adjust the strikezone's height.
 3. The strike zone trainer of claim 1, wherein: the leftand right indicators are strings extending between the top and bottomhorizontal members, and the top and bottom indicators are stringsextending between the left and right vertical uprights.
 4. The strikezone trainer of claim 3, further comprising: a plurality of eyeletsdisposed on the top and bottom horizontal members and the left and rightvertical uprights, wherein the strings each extend between two eyelets.5. The strike zone trainer of claim 1, wherein: the top horizontalmember and the left and right uprights are made from plastic piping. 6.The strike zone trainer of claim 5, wherein: the plastic piping is madefrom polyvinylchloride.
 7. The strike zone trainer of claim 5, wherein:the bottom horizontal member is made from wood.
 8. The strike zonetrainer of claim 7, further comprising: a left bracket connected at theleft side of the bottom horizontal member, and a right bracket connectedat the right side of the bottom horizontal member, wherein the leftbracket is adapted to receive the left vertical upright and the rightbracket is adapted to receive the right vertical bracket.
 9. The strikezone trainer of claim 4, wherein: at least one of the width and heightof the strike zone is adjustable by moving one or more of the strings.10. The strike zone trainer of claim 1, further comprising: a pluralityof pairs of electromagnetic radiation emitters and sensors disposed onthe top and bottom horizontal members and the left and right verticaluprights, establishing a grid of electromagnetic beams therebetween. 11.The strike zone trainer of claim 10, wherein: the top and bottom andleft and right indicators are individual electromagnetic beams.
 12. Thestrike zone trainer of claim 11, wherein: at least the top and bottomindicators may be moved to other electromagnetic beams to adjust thestrike zone's height.
 13. The strike zone trainer of claim 12, furthercomprising: at least one input device operatively connected to thetrainer to adjust the strike zone's height.
 14. The strike zone trainerof claim 13, wherein: the at least one input device is selected from agroup comprising a keyboard, a mouse, and an electromagnetic radiationemitter.
 15. The strike zone trainer of claim 11, further comprising: aspeaker operatively connected to the trainer to provide an audibleindication if a ball passes through one or more of the electromagneticbeams in the strike zone.
 16. The strike zone trainer of claim 11,further comprising: a monitor operatively connected to the trainer toprovide a visual indication of where a ball passes through one or moreof the electromagnetic beams.
 17. The strike zone trainer of claim 11,further comprising: a plurality of visual indicators positioned on thetop and bottom horizontal members and the left and right verticaluprights.
 18. The strike zone trainer of claim 17, wherein: the visualindicators are lights.
 19. The strike zone trainer of claim 17, wherein:selected ones of the plurality of visual indicators indicate the left,right, top, and bottom edges of the strike zone.
 20. The strike zonetrainer of claim 17, wherein: selected ones of the plurality of visualindicators indicates where a ball passes through one or more of theelectromagnetic beams.